The Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18)
• Handicap (Disability)

In the Sale and Rental of Housing: No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:

• To rent or sell housing
• Refuse to negotiate for housing
• Make housing unavailable
• Deny a dwelling
• Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
• Provide different housing services or facilities
• Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental
• For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting)
• Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing.

In addition, it is illegal for anyone to threaten, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. This prohibition against discriminatory advertising applies to single-family and owner-occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the Fair Housing Act.

Golden Gate University Housing Policies prohibits discrimination as described by the Federal Housing Act. All rental advertising or statements seeking renters, including roommates, may not list limitations or preferences based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap.

Renters Rights Boards (for laws, advise, arbitration, and information in regard to renter's rights)

San Francisco Rent Board
25 Van Ness Ave, #320
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-252-4600
Website: www.ci.sf.ca.us

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board
2125 Milvia Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: 510-644-6128
Website: www.ci.berkeley.ca.us